L-O-V-E

Sounds cheesy - but it is really all about love. What you ask? Why Christmas of course.

The presents, the get-togethers, the good food - all of that is done because we love.

And that love started with Jesus' birth, a birth prophesied when Adam and Even failed. A birth that was done with the knowledge that death was coming on a cross - just for you and me.

So enjoy it all. Don't forget about Christmas on December 26th like the rest of the world.

And do something nice for someone else - randomly. Like the idea I had this afternoon while in the drive-thru at McDonald's. I felt God's nudging and obeyed. So what was done? I paid the whopping $12.37 for the meal for the people behind me. I did not know them. And the money won't break me, but maybe, just maybe I showed them God's love.

Merry Christmas!!

Nesting 101

With Luke, I never nested. Too much going on! I was just happy to get my little baby home.

With this one, I have definitely been nesting. I organized the samples and vouchers at the office last week, and now I have 1) finished Christmas shopping 2) packed my hospital bag 3) packed baby's bag 4) washed the baby's clothes 5) set up the pack n play / bassinet 6) organized the baby's clothes, etc 7) cleaned our shower 8) done countless things that have obviously been more OCD than I normally am.

So we are at 36 1/2 weeks. I had an ultrasound on Wednesday and the estimate is 6 lb 5 oz. He's got hair and nails, and apparently, I have some signs that he is making his way lower into my pelvis. And my weight has been good - only gained 13 lbs the whole pregnancy.

I have a C-section scheduled for January 3rd. Until then (or earlier), we wait...

Munchkin Milestone #2

Today we are at 32 weeks and the coolness about that is that my local hospital can care for babies at 32 weeks. So that means my doctors are around, and if needed, my baby boy would be around 15 minutes away from home versus an hour. Still, we pray for baby to come a little later.

I have been doing pretty good with the gestational diabetes. I have also lost weight with it, and that does worry me a bit. And there are the fun contractions. Some are those Braxton-Hicks ones, but occasionally I have those intense ones that just take my breath away.

And my little boy will be 5 years old in 9 days! I cannot believe he is 5. Luke is growing up way too fast. I am very lucky to have such a sweet little boy. I think he is going to be a great big brother. I know Luke will have his days, and even though he can be babied a lot, he is also very mature sometimes. He will say things and just catch me off guard because they are just so, well, mature. He thinks a lot of others' feelings and that has been special to me.

One of the hardest things to explain to him has be related to death. We had to go to the funeral home for a friend's brother who recently passed away. Luke asked so many questions and most of them were easy to answer. But the hardest one was related to "why is there a body if he is in heaven?" So quickly, I told him that his heart was with Jesus in heaven. I thought it would be too hard to explain souls to him. Then again, he might understand it better than most people I know.

So I am looking forward to the arrival of my second little boy. I pray he is as loving and kind as my big boy.

Munchkin Milestone

Well, I am still pregnant. Yep, that is a milestone.

With Luke, I had a C-section when I was 28 weeks pregnant. I had pre-eclampsia and he was taken. A miracle baby with his 1 lb 13.7 oz self.

And now I am about 28 1/2 weeks. My blood pressure has been pretty good. I have only gained about 8 lbs this pregnancy. I have not had the swelling, and I can even wear my rings.

Of course, I think this baby is bigger than Luke was at 28 weeks. I just feel a little bit clumsier and off-balance. I have learned to take time and rest, which I did not do with Luke.

So my prayers continue for a healthier pregnancy. Praying for a December delivery...

Firefighters and Puppies

I just can't help myself. I am so in awe of my little boy who is still so little but so grown. Not too long ago, he told me he wanted to be a train driver - not the conductor but the driver. So that's okay.

Well, now Mr. Luke wants to be a firefighter, ambulance driver, policeman, AND a train driver. He's going to be busy I think.

He is planning to dress up as a fireman pretty soon, and he wants a fireman party for his birthday. I also gave him the task of picking out the baby's bedding, and any guesses what we're going with - yep, fire engines, etc.

The bedding set is really adorable but boyish. We can order the optional puppy dog plush, so I splurged and have ordered two of them - one for each of my boys.

So puppies are also a part of our lives. Most days, Luke is barking and begging like a puppy. Last year, he dressed up as Clifford, which was so cute for a homemade costume. And Jeff wakes him up in the morning by being a dog, and at night, Luke wants us to rub his puppy tummy and scratch behind his puppy ears. The funniest thing recently was yesterday when he stubbed his toe or tripped (don't really know for sure). He proceeded to tell me that he had hurt his back paw.

He might be a bit obsessed with this puppy thing, and I am wondering if his little brother will think there is a dog in the house instead of a big brother.

But it's cute, and it makes me smile!

A September to Remember

Hurricane Irene fortunately did not do much damage at all here. It tore off some edging on the shelter outside and of course, we lost power for about 12 hours. But we survived and ran the generator for about 4 hours to heat up some supper and cool down the house for bed time.

So, we cruised into September without too much trouble. Work has gotten busier and that has been really good.

And I have been seeing my OB doctor every two weeks. She asked me at my last visit if I was sweating yet, and of course, I am. I am 25 1/2 weeks and had a baby at 28 weeks the last time. So I have been more nervous and I think that is the real reason my blood pressure has been trying to creep up.

My birthday was earlier this week and my new Physician assistant made me some cupcakes - not just any kind of cupcake - but chocolate cupcakes with rocky road icing from her great-grandmother's recipe. Delicious!!!!

The only drawback to the week has been more OB stuff. I did not pass my 1 hour glucose test last week, and I did the lovely 3 hour one yesterday. Yep, I flunked. So now I have gestational diabetes and guess what - that can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia. Just great (sarcasm intended). That means no more yummy chocolate cupcakes, Pepsi, cookies, orange juice, etc, etc, etc. And just a little bit more nervousness for this pregnancy.

But it will be worth it when I see my baby boy.

Me and my boys

Well, what a week! We had our ultrasound on Monday and very quickly found out that our little Coconut is a boy. So according to Luke, his name is "Coconut Sippy Cup." Jeff and I are trying to find a different one, so don't worry. He is growing well and healthy appearing so that is great for us. Weighs about 11 ounces.

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed that the baby was not a girl. But it is God's will for me to have another little boy and that is something I have accepted. I realized that we have a lot of clothes, and yesterday, it dawned on me - no weddings to pay for. And life will be fun. Luke will have a playmate who he can mentor and teach the important things to - like play trains and learning to urinate standing up. And I won't have to deal with drama from hair, make up, dresses, and boys I am not fond of visiting our home.

Now we are in the midst of a lovely hurricane - aka rain and wind and light flickering. I am up, having had the bright idea to shower before the lights go out again. The two big boys are asleep (Jeff and Luke). Prince Murdock is creeping around and Coconut is just happy that I have had his morning OJ.

Vacation and the Week After

Last week, I was on vacation, and we had a blast at the beach. We played in the water and the pool. We laughed and joked. We ate good food - Flaming Amy's, Michael's Seafood, Big Daddy's, Bdobo Grill - all yummy! We went to Midieval Times one night. We played putt putt and went to the Railroad Museum. It was great week, and although I just love the beach, it was good to be home, especially in my comfy king-size bed. :)

During vacation, I got some great news. I had applied for a teaching award in April, and guess what! I got it. I am one of the 16 nationwide recipients of the Pfizer Teacher Development Award! Cool!!!

So, the week after vacation can be a bear at work, but it's been pretty good. We were busy Monday, and on Tuesday, we switched to our new Electronic Health Record (EHR). We even saw 14 and still left the office at 5:10 pm with all of my office notes completed. I am proud of how that is going.

Pregnancy has also been well. I have had a lot less nausea but still not enough energy to exercise. I have found out that several of my friends are having little girls with their pregnancies. So what about us? Well, we have our ultrasound on Monday, and we'll hopefully find out about our little "Coconut." Until then, we wait.

Full Circle - Kinda!

On Monday, August 1, 2005, I started my first job as a practicing Family physician after residency. I remember that day all too well. I arrived at the hospital at 6 am and my badge wouldn't work. Another physician asked me "do you belong here?" and I said yes. So she let me in the building. Then I rounded with my boss in what seemed endless patient rounds. After getting to the office, I finally mustered enough strength to ask my boss if I could just see patients in the hospital on my own. I wanted to dive in and not just follow the boss like a lonesome puppy. So I got three patients to see the next morning.

As for the office, I was working with new people. My office had no computer. I spent my time unloading boxes of stuff I felt I had to have to work. I had no one on my schedule but finally, I was able to see one patient. I remember having to dictate my note - utter dread. But the transcriptionist was very nice and told me I could give her some normals so that I did not have to say every line.

I left that day, somewhat encouraged. I remember Jeff asking me if I was happy.

So 6 years later, I am in a different job where there are exciting times ahead. Again, I am building my practice, and that is great. And I don't have to be at the hospital at 6 am! I am loving that. And I am encouraged with a practice expansion with more space and a mid-level on the horizon. And we are getting ready to change our electronic health record. So work has its challenges but they are good ones.

And, after wanting to have kids for so long, six years later I am expecting Skinner baby #2. I absolutely love the child I have already and feel so blessed to have a second one on the way.

Six years later, I am a more mature physician. I have learned lessons - hard ones. I have really treasured what is important to me in this life - my Lord and my family. My career is great and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a witness for my Lord. And I have learned that you don't have to do everything in medicine like hospital work and outpatient and nursing home, etc to be successful. And I am happier because of that.

So here's to the next 6, 12, 20 years!

Baby.. oh, baby!

I know 10 women who are expecting, from Sept 23rd (for my dear student doctor) to late January 2012. And guess what! That includes me!!

I am due January 10th, and it's an exciting time. I have had 3 ultrasounds, and at the last one, the little tike was waving. How cool is that!

Luke has taken the news really well. Mostly, he just knows there is a baby and that he is not allowed to jump on or kick his Mommy. He has even named the baby - "Coconut Sippy Cup" for a boy and "Coconut Mountain Dew" for a girl. Go figure!!

So, if you think you're gonna see pics of my pregnant belly, then you are highly mistaken. I am way too fat for that. Just know that I can tell my tummy is bigger and more firm. And that I am still in regular clothes at 13 weeks and have gained no weight.

As for this pregnancy, the goal is a December baby this time. We would really like to have a baby that is not a resident of a NICU for the first months of his/her life. Tax deduction is nice too (vs a Jan baby).

And is this one different? Well, actually yes. With Luke, I was nauseated with brushing my teeth and really did not have a lot of tiredness, even with my overworked job I had then. With this one, I have had a lot of nausea and even had to change my vitamin time so that I would not puke in the am. The nausea comes and goes all day, and well, I have been exhausted. Working 8-5 pm Monday to Thursday and 8-12 pm on Friday has been more than enough. Thank goodness I don't have the hospital frustrations like I had in the past!!! Otherwise, I would not be able to work at all. And I have had some heartburn already. It's been a little better in the last month though.

The next question I hear is "what do you want?" Well, the truth is: I don't know. I have been blessed with a sweet little boy and already have boy clothes/stuff. So that would be easy. But then again, you can't put ECU Pirate cheerleader dresses on a boy, so a little girl would be great. Again, the goal is for a healthy baby who will be loved and nurtured by two parents who have been blessed by God again to parent. It just makes me have tears - or is that the hormones?

So pray for us on this fun journey!!!

Slacker

Yes, I am talking about me.

I know it has been over a month since I last blogged, and I do have my reasons.

Our family has been busy! We've gone to the zoo, gone to the AgFest, and gone to the Waterfowl Park. Plus, there has been trips to get strawberries and Luke's preschool End of Year Celebration!

And it does not look like June will be any calmer!

But I have had a great time. My work is succeeding and I have been busier. I actually met with my boss and he is pleased with my progress too!

So what to talk about?

I guess I will think of something later...

Princesses

I did not think I would care much, yet I found myself drawn to the TV and internet today to see glimpses of the Royal Wedding. First of all, they seemed so down to earth and happy. They smiled and joked. Kate's reaction to the people on the balcony was "Oh, Wow!" And Kate's dress was elegant - modern but tasteful - not sleezy as some others I have seen. And I really wish the best for them. Oh, by the way, I did not get up at 4 am to watch it. Mostly, I saw some of the end of the wedding, their processional, and of course, their first royal kiss - quick but crowd-pleasing.

So what would it be to be a princess? Today, there is all the requirements and decorum. I would not want to be in the eye of everyone like that.

BUT, I am a princess. I am a Child of the King - with no requirements - just a gift that I accepted many years ago called salvation. A gift given with no bargains. A simple gift of love. It was paid on a cross many years ago with the death of my Savior. And my gratitude for that gift is eternal serving Him with gladness no matter what comes my way. For one day, I will get my crown.

And as a side, I am very proud and honored that my 4 year old knows that Easter is about Jesus who died on a cross when the soldiers hammered nails in His hands and that He came back to life and now lives in heaven.

I am definitely blessed beyond measure.

Why Me?

My life is rich compared to others. I have a full-time job, loving family, my own home, my own car. My job is one I love. I pay my taxes. I get to choose what I want to eat. I get to choose what to wear each day.

And that itself makes me blessed.

So why me? Why am I so wanting?

I could go on and on how life is not fair - how I did not get some things in life that I wanted. And I know that good things comes to those who wait.

And that all things work together for the good of the Lord according to His purpose.

And that God always keeps His promises.

But then, then what?

New Start

I like blogging. And I like being able to share things. But there are some people in this world who are just plain too nosy. Too wrapped up in trying to know everything about everybody else to see their own troubles.

So.

What to do?

I deleted this blog on 3/24/2011.

But then I had to restart it 4/1/11.

Because sometimes I need an avenue to publish my thoughts.

So unfortunately, no pictures of my family except for the kitty. No cutesy videos of Luke.

Just a little blog for me. No joke.